Politicians Glad TZ Bridge Project Moving Forward

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. – Local politicians praised Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state transportation officials on advancing the Tappan Zee Bridge replacement project following the state released a draft environmental impact study Tuesday.

“Reconstruction of the Tappan Zee will create thousands of new jobs and make our region's transportation infrastructure safer and more efficient,” U.S. Congress member Nita Lowey said. “I am pleased Gov. Cuomo is moving forward to advance this project of national significance and put New Yorkers to work in the coming months.”

The proposed replacement bridge is expected to cost between $3.5 and $5 billion. Construction on the bridge is anticipated to last between 4.5 and 5.5 years.

The project is a scaled-down version of the previous I-87/I-287 corridor project, which sought transportation improvements to the bridge and 30 additional miles along the New York State Thruway. That project was stalled in the works for several years before the current project was fast-tracked by federal and state officials.

The “completion and release of the Environmental Impact Statement shows real progress toward rebuilding the Tappan Zee Bridge,” U.S. Congress member Nan Hayworth said. “Its reconstruction is vital to our economy. We need to act now to assure that we will continue to have this crucial connection between Westchester and Rockland counties.”

Ken Jenkins, Chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, said he was “eager to join the Governor in tackling the next step in rebuilding the Tappan Zee Bridge.”

"After decades of stalling, Gov. Cuomo’s Environmental Impact Study is a significant step towards a stronger, better Tappan Zee Bridge," Jenkins said. "The Governor’s expedited plan shows the tremendous potential for new jobs, safer infrastructure and maintains mass transit options for the future. In addition, the Hudson Valley communities will benefit greatly from the sustainable economic development opportunities that will be a result of the Governor’s expedited plan.”

Other public officials noted the lack of a mass-transit system and the smaller scope of the project, which previously included 30 miles of the I-87/I-287 corridor.

"While the mass transit component of a new Tappan Zee Bridge is important, it obviously cannot eclipse the need to provide stability to our infrastructure, a boost to the economy and much needed jobs,” Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “With so many layers of government involved that are working towards this end, we are in a unique position that we must take advantage of."

Harriet Cornell, Chair of the Rockland County Board of Legislators, said she recognized that the ultimate realization of public transit was critical to maximizing public investment in the bridge.

“I hope that planning for mass transit and accompanying highway improvements in the corridor will recommence as soon as possible,” she asid.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said the new bridge was a “much-needed and long-overdue infrastructure project.”

“The Tappan Zee has for years provided a major thoroughfare here in the Hudson Valley and it is critically important that there is no longer delay in replacing the bridge,” he said.

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